We understand it is not easy to stop smoking, particularly in pregnancy, but it never too late to stop smoking. To reduce causing harm to your unborn child we are offering support and advice. You and your baby will feel the benefits immediately after stopping because carbon monoxide and other chemicals will leave your body. This will enable you to breathe easily as more oxygen is released in your blood making both you and your baby much healthier.

Impact on unborn babies

Smoking during pregnancy can cause a baby to be born too early or to have low birth weight—making it more likely the baby will be sick and have to stay in the hospital longer. A few babies may even die. Smoking during and after pregnancy is a risk factor of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The NHS support service offers a range of specialist support to help you stop smoking in pregnancy. Nearly half of pregnant women who set a quit date with their local stop smoking service successfully go on to quitting. To receive support you can self-refer or ring one the NHS specialist advisors on 0300 123 1044.